Grading the Carolina Panthers Through the First 6 Games

How do you grade your favorite NFL team through its first six games? Front office decisions, to quarterback (this guy gets an "A" in my book!), to special teams, to head coach—we want to hear your thoughts!

Here is my breakdown of the Carolina Panthers through the first six games.

Jerry: B+

Jerry Richardson has been under a lot of heat the last few years. From firing his two sons, to spearheading the new NFL labor agreement, to firing his longtime head coach John Fox, to playing chauffeur for the commish—the man has been busy!

I give Jerry a B+ for all the moves he has made, especially avoiding a crippling strike (as looms with the NBA) and the hiring on Ron Rivera and his staff. Even though the record may not show it yet, these are long-term good decisions. He should be more accessible to the media; we would love to hear more of his vision for the NFL and Carolina Panthers.

Marty: B

Talk about under fire! If Marty Hurney does not draft Cam Newton, this grade would be a D. But give the man credit for bringing in Jeremy Shockey, and Greg Olsen as well. 

Re-signing Johnson, Williams, Kalil and Beason gives the franchise hope. Also Derek Anderson was a good pickup, but probably some of the credit goes to Rivera and his new staff. Not getting enough help in the middle of the D and cornerback has hurt the team, but generally moving in a positive direction because the franchise appears to finally have a QB that can play.

Cam: A

What a difference a year makes. Cam Newton makes the Panthers relevant again even with a 1-5 record. He has electrified the NFL and the Panther Nation in his first six games.

Lots for him to still learn, and his career is still an open book, but the man is fun to watch and a real leader (which most everyone questioned pre-draft). Cam makes it fun to cheer for the Panthers for the next 10 to 15 years if he keeps his head on right.

Receivers: B+

Steve Smith is having a career year. Jeremy Shockey and Greg Olsen give the Panthers their first real tight end threat since the Wesley Walls era. Lafell is playing better, and Nanee is a good pickup.

With David Gettis coming back next year, and hopefully Armanti Edwards developing, this could be a special group.

O-Line: B

The O-line started slowly, but is coming on. Certainly losing Otah for another season hurts, but there is depth.

Kalil is developing into one of the best in the game, and he and Newton could be another Manning/Saturday combo. Could use some help here in the offseason—and quit making those critical penalties that keep killing game-winning plays (Jordan Gross)!

D-Line: C

Johnson has looked like he was worth the investment. Greg Hardy has played well at times, but the two rookies have looked like, well, rookies at times.

This is the place the Panthers have to target in the offseason to go to the next level, unless they switch to a 3-4 defense (which I think they should do), and then they need linebackers and D-linemen. Too many 100-yard rushers (three) in six games is not a good trend for this group.

Linebackers: C

Losing your All-Pro middle linebacker and the undisputed team leader in the first game is never a good thing. Losing your fastest linebacker Thomas Davis again for the year is never a good thing.

Anderson has played well. With Beason back and maybe a high draft pick next year, this group could improve rapidly.

Defensive Backs: C-

Easy to criticize this group because they keep getting beaten at critical times. A better pass rush would help, but other teams receivers always seem to be open, and our guys are always a few steps behind.

Major upgrades needed here to compete in the NFC South.

Special Teams: F

Baker has one of the worst averages (29 yards) for a punter in the NFL. Mare has had kicks blocked. Edwards has a puny punt return average. Goodsen was just replaced on kickoffs. Punt return against Arizona cost the game.

Come on guys, it's just special teams—it should not be this bad. Have to look at coaching if they don't get better.

Coaches: B

Yes, I know the record is 1-5, but Ron Rivera has given Panther Nation hope after the John Fox lame-duck year.

Coach Chud's offense is fun to watch with Cam; just put more DeAngelo and Stewart in the same backfield and throw more to Olsen, and we have something to build on. Rivera is a bright guy that actually seems to enjoy speaking to the media as opposed to Foxy. Without the benefit of an offseason with his new team and a rookie quarterback and new staff, the record is not indicative of the progress they have made.

Just win a few games and the grade goes to an "A."

PS: Work on those special teams—the starting drives are always inside the 20!

Cheerleaders: A

What else could I give them?